Scottish firms have benefited to the tune of £2.4 million after the recent trade visit to China.
The five day mission which included visits to Hong Kong and Shanghai was led by First Minister Alex Salmond. It coincided with the Shanghai World Expo 2010 and provided an ideal opportunity for 21 Scottish firms to raise their profile and secure orders.
Scottish firms have benefited to the tune of £2.4 million after the recent trade visit to China.
The five day mission which included visits to Hong Kong and Shanghai was led by First Minister Alex Salmond. It coincided with the Shanghai World Expo 2010 and provided an ideal opportunity for 21 Scottish firms to raise their profile and secure orders.
The First Minister welcomed the news saying:
“This positive news is an early indication of the significant economic benefits that this trade mission will deliver.”
Firms that took part included Aberdeen company SeaEnergy Renewables who signed a partnership deal with China’s Nantong COSCO Ship Steel Structure Company. The agreement will see the pair develop and market components for the offshore renewable energy sector.
The landmark deal was the first of its kind between a Scottish firm and a major state-owned Chinese offshore wind energy company.
Most of the firms that took part in the trade mission are expected to return within six months, with the remainder going back within a year.
The visit saw the launch of a promotional brochure on Scottish golf, printed in Mandarin Chinese. It also brought a commitment from the Chinese to introduce new measures aimed at protecting the status of Scotch whisky. It is hoped that the new legislation will act as a barrier against counterfeiting.
Scotland exports around £295million of goods to China annually, this increased by 15% between 2007 and 2008, according to a recent survey.
This year SCDI delegations have visited India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China. Plans for the next 12 months include trade missions to Poland, UAE and India.
SCDI chief executive Lesley Sawers said: “Our trade visit to Delhi will be the biggest delegation of Scottish companies ever to go to India.”
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